ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: Sonia in Sydney on March 31, 2015, 06:02:00 am
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Hi,
8 weeks post AN surgery with resulting RS facial paralysis. I am performing my own facial massage to stimulate the tone and nerves in my face with hope of a full recovery. This week I am finding when massaging around my mouth and chin with some pressure my smile on the paralysed side freezes momentarily and i become quite stiff with an almost numb sensation. Has anyone experienced similar through their recovery? I am hoping this could be a sign of positive nerve regeneration or could it be that i am massaging too firmly?
Anyone with specific facial exercises that worked for them either recovered or currently experiencing facial palsy, i would appreciate the tips.
Sonia
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One of the things Jackie Diels suggested is to use a feather and gently sweep it across the affected part of your face during the day. Be very gentle when massaging your face.
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Early on when my facial nerve started to reawaken, I would notice my cheek tighten slightly and a little dimple appeared above the corner of my mouth when I washed my face at night. It was very exciting! Sometimes I even pulled down on my upper lip lightly to get it to "react" for picture taking (kind of like stretching a worm then having it retract). Maybe it wasn't a good idea though--it doesn't do that anymore.
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Kristena, how long post op did you notice this sensation of reawakening? Has your face made a full recovery and how long did this process take?
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I would have to check my notes, but I think at about 3-4 months. It's been over 18 months now, and I have not had a full recovery. I have significant synkenesis, and there is minimal movement in the right side of my face, except that I can close my eye and create a seal with my lips--so I am grateful for that.